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Following is a question by the Hon Kam Nai-wai and a reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 19):
Question:
Regarding the development of electric vehicles (EVs), will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the current number of EVs in Hong Kong; given that the authorities have indicated that they would enhance the necessary ancillary infrastructure to facilitate the introduction of EVs, of the latest progress and expected completion date of such work;
(b) of the latest progress of the work carried out by the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electric Vehicles under the leadership of the Financial Secretary; given that the authorities have indicated that the promotion of EVs was not restricted to private cars and they would closely monitor market supply situation and technical development to introduce other types of vehicles (including those heavier ones such as buses), of the latest progress of such studies and their expected completion dates; and
(c) whether the authorities had conducted any study on the emission of air pollutants from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) taxis last year; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether they have studied assisting the owners of LPG taxis in replacing their vehicles with EVs; if so, of the content of the study and the estimated costs needed to replace the vehicles as well as its impact on air quality; if not, of the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
(a) As at April 30, 2010, there were altogether 57 electric vehicles (EVs) for road use in Hong Kong, including 34 private cars, 17 motorcycles, 4 light goods vehicles and 2 public/private buses. The figures are increasing as EVs from all over the world are developing and put to commercial production, and seek to enter the Hong Kong market.
On the provision of standard charging facilities for EVs, the Government and the two power companies have installed EV charging facilities at 37 locations across the territory. We will further set up charging stations at 25 other locations by mid-2010. To promote the development of EV, the two power companies are providing free charging service at their charging stations . It should be stressed that the number of charging facilities installed thus far is only the beginning of a continual growth trend as the number of EVs and the demand for such facilities increase over the time. As the number of EV increases, there will be more charging facilities.
As for quick charging, the CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) installed in February 2010 the first quick charger based on the protocol adopted in Japan to provide quick charging service for EVs. CLP is conducting a six-month technical trial on the quick charger and will closely monitor its usage and performance.
We also collaborate closely with other organisations to expand the charging network for EVs. Earlier on, the Environment Bureau issued a pamphlet to property management companies and car park operators on the setting up of EV standard charging facilities at car parks. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has also issued technical guidelines on the installation of charging facilities. Our aim is to encourage property management companies and car park operators to provide charging facilities for EVs in car parks to meet the demand for EV charging service.
(b) Since its inception in April last year, the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (the Committee) led by the Financial Secretary has held three Committee meetings. The Committee has examined the Government's strategy and action plan for promoting EVs. It has also strived to strengthen the co-operation between the Government and EV manufacturers by, for example, participating in EV trial programmes, inviting major right-hand-drive EV manufacturers and agents around the world to present their promotion plans, and encouraging them to introduce a greater variety of EVs to Hong Kong. The Committee has also reviewed the latest developments of EVs and hybrid vehicles as well as the progress of setting up EV charging facilities in Hong Kong. In addition, we have made arrangements for committee members to take part in relevant promotional activities to enhance their understanding of the latest development of EVs.
On promoting commercial EVs, we hope to introduce them to Hong Kong as soon as possible so as to extend their use to the commercial transport sector. Commercial EVs are being used overseas for various purposes, such as goods delivery. A British manufacturer of commercial EVs is planning to introduce various models of commercial EVs to Hong Kong in the second half of 2010.
Separately, to reduce emissions from public transport, the Innovation and Technology Fund has provided funding for the Hong Kong Productivity Council to work with public light bus operators on a research and development project on "plug-in hybrid vehicle system" for public light buses. The project covers road-based passenger capacity tests along a selected green minibus route. It is expected that the system can save up to 50% of fuel and help reduce road-side emissions.
As for electric buses, we have all along encouraged bus operators to explore introducing suitable models of electric buses to Hong Kong. A local bus company is planning to introduce a "supercapacitor bus" to Hong Kong in July this year for on-site trial. We will continue to keep in view the progress, and actively promote the development of EVs in Hong Kong.
(c) Before liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) taxis were introduced, the Environmental Protection Department has requested the two vehicle manufacturers supplying taxis for Hong Kong to provide detailed emission test results. The information indicates that LPG taxis emit extremely low levels of respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen oxides. They also emit less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon than diesel taxis.
The introduction of EVs to public transport requires an adequate supply of EVs, an ancillary charging network and relevant supporting services such as repair and maintenance. Currently the EVs used in public transport overseas are still on trial. Given the relatively long daily mileage and business hours of local taxis, and the time it takes to charge an EV, it is yet to confirm whether EVs can fit in with the operation mode of local taxis. We will continue to keep a close watch on the developments of EVs and related charging technologies. Moreover, the $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund proposed in the Financial Budget this year also aims to encourage local transport sector to use more environmentally friendly transportation technology such as EVs.
Ends/Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:43
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